LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- TARC leadership is outlining a series of possible route plans that are the result of rider input collected over the past year.
TARC is striving to restore its pre-2020 service levels, but with federal funding no longer available, leadership has spent months gathering rider feedback to shape the future of public transportation in the region. After a series of meetings, four potential plans have been presented to the public.
Van Cariand, a frequent TARC rider, expressed his frustration with the current service. "I've been out here for 45 minutes," he said, emphasizing the need for improved scheduling. As colder weather sets in, riders like Cariand are eager for a solution that reduces wait times and increases reliability.
TARC Executive Director Ozzy Gibson announced Wednesday morning that the agency can afford to implement three of the four proposed plans without requiring additional funding. "People want frequency, they want you there as often as you can come to the stops," Gibson explained.
The Limited and Enhanced Service Plans prioritize high-traffic areas where ridership demand is greatest. The Enhanced Service Plan specifically aims to improve access to major employers and Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) magnet programs. "We could probably implement this in two years," Gibson stated, highlighting the feasibility of the plan.
The JCPS Network Plan focuses on improving transportation around JCPS schools, though it is not designed to replace existing school bus services. Meanwhile, the Growth Plan is a more ambitious vision for the future, calling for a 60% expansion of the current network. Scudder Wagg, president of Jarrett Walker and Associates, estimates that the Growth Plan would cost between $50 million and $70 million annually—a significant increase over current funding levels.
For now, TARC's current system, which is about 50% smaller than its pre-2020 service, will remain in place. A final decision on which plan to implement is expected by summer 2026, when one of the four proposed options will take effect.
Riders and community members are encouraged to stay engaged in the discussion as TARC determines the best path forward for public transportation in the city.
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